Chapter 221 - Lilia Thornheart
The training grounds were eerily quiet as I stepped into a secluded one-person training room belonging to the Archery Club. The familiar scent of wood and the twang of bowstrings greeted me.
"Not enough."
This place had been one of my favorite places to train my marksmanship skills.
Equipped with an assortment of weapons, the room allowed me to explore the full extent of my abilities. My focus shifted from daggers to the elegant curve of bows and the swift release of arrows.
With a bow in hand, I seamlessly moved around the room, shifting from cover to cover. Each shot was a testament to precision and control as the arrows found their mark with deadly accuracy.
THUD!
The targets, strategically placed to mimic unpredictable enemies, were punctuated with the thud of arrows embedding themselves into the surface.
'I need to be as swift as I can.'
The reason why I was here training my marksmanship was the fact that, with the weapons I had in my arsenal, thanks to Celestalith.
'I need to learn more weapons.'
To do that, I needed to perfect the five core weapon forms of Celestalith to make sure I could utilize it to its utmost potential.
I was good at using daggers and bows, but I knew for a fact that I didn't use chakrams and the grey threads to their full potential. I could do a lot better than what I was doing now.
'Especially the vastness of mana.'
This world wasn't only about skills or arts. Any exceptional Awakened who learned how to manipulate their mana would become a powerhouse. Not all the mages had a Trait or Skill related to being a mage, but they still held a lot of power. It was because they learned how to control mana properly and able to utilize it.
'I should integrate all those techniques into my combat as well.'
Limiting myself purely on my weapons and arts was not an ideal thing to do. Starting from [Mana Observation], there were countless different formulas like [Haste], [Compress], [Fusion] and [Diffusion]. Many of those actually referred to the physical interpretation of actions, but they were all basic and important since they formed the base for the further construction of the skills.
That was why, switching to throwing knives, I continued my dance, honing my accuracy with every swift and calculated throw. The metallic rings echoed through the room as the knives found their intended destinations. I reveled in the fluidity of movement and the seamless transition between ranged and close-quarters combat.
'I need to make use of chakrams as well.'
My control was yet to be precise enough, and there were countless possibilities I could make.
'Even utilizing wind and other psions becomes helpful.'
Chakrams, circular blades with deadly edges, became an extension of my will as I twirled and released them with expert precision.
'Maybe even the [Telekinesis] is a possible choice.'
Though it would take a while, the idea of using the telekinesis to control chakrams orbiting around me made sense.
'I will take a look at it later.
"Start the stage five."
[Understood, Student Astron. Access is given.]
The training room transformed as the stage five simulation commenced. Holographic images of various monsters materialized, simulating a dynamic battlefield. The monsters, each designed to test different aspects of combat, started to pour in.
And just like that, I lost myself in the training.
*******
'He might be interesting.'
Lilia, who had been constantly working with her family's guild, thought about Astron. To be perfectly frank, she didn't have much interaction with him aside from that one time. Therefore, he naturally didn't take too much place in her thoughts.
Though, the others in the group didn't let it go like that. Julia, in an attempt to tease Ethan, always talked about Astron, and Irina's whining also didn't stop either. So, at the end of the day, she couldn't help but have at least one thought about him, and that thought would be annoying.
After all, she hated those who acted without any sense of responsibility, and those who were lazy were the people she hated the most. The ones who had the potential to be awakened but wasted that chance. In her eyes, Astron was such a student. He was at rock bottom; his attitude was not good, he always talked back to his teachers, and he lacked manners.
'Truly expected from a slacker,' she mused, her lips curving into a slight frown. 'I wonder if he even cares about his future. Some people are just too carefree for their own good.'
That was what she initially thought. However, because of both Ethan's and Carl's worlds, she couldn't help but change her evaluation a little bit more.
'Maybe….Just maybe…'
There was a chance that he might have changed, and if everything was just as Ethan and Carl said, things would certainly get interesting.
'I had already scored three deals with future prospects, and I have one more slot.'
As an executive of Olympus' Vanguard Guild, she was given the right to recruit four students.
Though different from how it looked, that right to recruit was actually a preparation for a clash between the factions inside the Guild. It was a tradition that was passed from generation to generation. To increase the creativity and strength of the guild, the family always believed that competition was essential and one's individual strength was different from one's management skills.
Therefore, rather than directly clashing with others physically, the heirs would clash using their factions.
Her father, who now held the head position of the guild, also became the head in the same manner, and that was also the main reason why she was in this academy instead of operating the guild.
For her, who viewed most of the things in the academy as child play, building connections was the most important, which was also another reason for her to join the archery club.
The club room was situated in a quiet corner of the academy, away from the hustle and bustle of the main building.
As Lilia walked toward the club room, her thoughts lingered on Astron. She couldn't escape the voices of Julia and Irina in her head, constantly pestering her about him.
"Ugh, that lazy guy. I can't believe he's even in the same academy as us."
"Don't talk to me."
Irina's opinions echoed in her mind, reinforcing her initial annoyance. Yet, a small part of her resisted jumping to conclusions. Ethan and Carl's perspectives had planted a seed of doubt, making her consider the possibility that Astron might have hidden depths.
'I'll judge for myself,' she decided, entering the Archery Club room with purpose.
As she pushed the door open, the rhythmic twang of bowstrings filled the air. The archers focused on their targets, each lost in their own world of concentration.
Indeed, the club was just the same as before.
"Ah, Miss Lilia."
Immediately, a student noticed her while training. She was a girl whom Lilia remembered as someone who had tried to impress her to join Olympus' Vanguard.
Lilia couldn't help but feel a hint of amusement at the familiar attempt to gain her favor, but at the same time, she felt a little bored.
It was always amusing to see young students trying to gain her favor by showing their skills.
The girl continued, undeterred. "Ah….I am glad." The smile on her face didn't even waver for a second, as if she had practiced it countless different times. "I was just thinking about how good it would be if a high-ranking student was here to show us how it's done."
Lilia nodded, acknowledging the well-rehearsed flattery. "I'm sure the club is doing just fine without me."
The girl's eyes widened, and she quickly added, "Oh, no, Miss Lilia, you misunderstand. With your guidance, the Archery Club could reach unprecedented heights. I've always admired your skills and leadership. Your presence here would be an inspiration to all of us."
Though Lilia liked getting compliments, she got annoyed when it came in the form of empty and excessive flattery.
'Tch. Pathetic.'
Her mood, which was alleviated for a second, became worse, and she got into the mood of destroying things for some reason.
Lilia's lips curved into a faint but cold smile, a mix of amusement and skepticism. "Flattery will get you nowhere. Archery is a skill honed through practice, not through someone watching over your shoulder. If we were looking for tongue warriors, we wouldn't hire from the 'Hunter' Academy."
The girl's smile remained intact, but there was a subtle shift in her demeanor. "Of course, Miss Lilia, you're absolutely right. I just thought having you here would be a tremendous privilege for the club members. We could learn so much from you."
Lilia decided to cut through the flattery. "What's your name?"
The girl's eyes were immediately lit by the mention of her name. She pretended to be hesitant for a moment but then replied, "It's Sophia Carter, Miss Lilia."
Lilia's eyes gleamed with a mischievous glint as she noticed it right away. "Sophia, right. I'll keep that in mind. Your enthusiasm for your career is duly noted."
Sophia beamed, thinking she had successfully won some favor.
'Really pathetic.'
Lilia, however, had other plans as she put her name into the corner of her mind.
"Then, if you allow me." She gestured to the girl that she wanted to leave.
Sophia's smile faltered for a moment, sensing a shift in the dynamics. Lilia, feeling somewhat satisfied with the small act of control, excused herself from the conversation.
As she walked away, she couldn't help but shake her head at the lengths some would go to gain recognition.
She opened her smartwatch as she walked through the corridors of the club room.
[Benedict, blacklist Sophia Carter. Also, look into her family background.]
[Bennedict: Understood, Miss Lilia. Blacklisting has been initiated, and I will commence with the investigation.]
[Good.]
Lilia continued to walk, her thoughts swirling. Sophia's persistence in joining Olympus' Vanguard had set off a twinge of suspicion.
It was not uncommon for students to express interest in joining prestigious guilds, but Sophia's determination seemed peculiar, and she got a hunch that the girl had something hidden. And that hunch was something that made her one of the contenders of the guild despite being that young.
After walking for a little longer, she reached her destination inside the club territory. A special training room where she could train in isolation.
'Hmm?'
However, there she noticed certain someone training.
It was the student whom she decided to observe with her own eyes.
Chapter 222 - Lilia Thornheart (2)
Lilia put an end to her thoughts as she slowly made her way to the private training rooms. Normally, most of the high-ranking students liked hanging around each other in the dormitory, but she disliked the idea.
She felt suffocating whenever she was that close to such talented individuals. The way they trained was a lot different and their focus on their careers bothered her. She was also in the Arcadia Hunter Academy, but her main focus wasn't being a combatant but taking control of her guild while forming her faction itself.
Therefore, she liked being with more generic students rather than being with the high-rankers.
However, as she entered the private training room, she found someone- Astron engrossed in his practice, his movements fluid and focused.
There was a dedication in the way he handled his equipment, a sharpness in his gaze that betrayed a level of skill she hadn't expected.
'This is bottom rank?'
Even just by looking at him for two seconds, her trained eyes were able to see how fluid his movements were and it certainly didn't belong to your average low-rank.
Lilia leaned against the doorframe, silently observing. She also concealed her presence out of habit unconsciously for some reason while covering herself with mana. Even if she wasn't specialized in combat, that didn't mean her rank, which was five, was a joke.
'Interesting.'
No one was here aside from her. Especially this room, which was on the corner side of the club room, was known for its slight malfunctioning and errors in the strength of the monsters. Thus, it wasn't much preferred by other students.
Her initial annoyance with Astron started to give way to a growing sense of curiosity. The hunch she had about him being more than he appeared seemed to gain weight with each practiced maneuver.
As she observed, Lilia took mental notes on Astron's movements, strengths, and weaknesses.
She watched with a critical eye, analyzing the precision of his strikes and the efficiency of his maneuvers.
The more she observed, the more she found herself intrigued by the disparity between Astron's skills and his apparent low rank.
'I understand he is getting held back by his body and probably stats, but even then….He shouldn't be such low rank.'
It was indeed weird, considering the fact that the progress he was displaying with his bow was not normal.
From time to time, Astron faced monsters with faulty strength in the training room. Some were weaker than expected, and others stronger. Despite the inconsistencies, Astron pressed on, his determination unwavering. Even when faced with tougher opponents that should have been too challenging for someone of his rank, he persevered.
'Stubborn.'
Lilia couldn't help but admire the tenacity Astron displayed. It was as if he was training not just for the sake of gaining ranks but for some deeper purpose that eluded her.
'Indeed, it is just as they told.'
Considering the comments that came from Ethan and Carl, Lilia nodded her head. This guy was certainly stubborn and had whatever it needed to take to become a hunter.
Even though it was just training, at such an age, Lilia was well aware of the criteria that a hunter needed to harbor. Her father was the one who taught her specifically and one by one.
Her father once said, "The true difference between an Awakened and a Hunter lies not only in their physical strength but in their mental fortitude. A Hunter's strength isn't just measured by their ability to defeat monsters; it's also about facing the challenges that life throws at them. Mental resilience is the hallmark of a true Hunter."
That was also the reason why, even from the start, she had never underestimated Ethan and had been investing in him. While he was awakened later, the moment he awakened, she herself knew that he would be great.
She always got this feeling from Ethan, and even though it was not exactly the same, Astron also had it.
'Really….I guess I behaved a little wrong.'
She thought, remembering their first encounter. She judged him from his rank and deemed him worthless; thus, she didn't show any mercy towards him.
When she bumped him at the door, she was annoyed to the max, and she hated that fact. Well, she still didn't regret doing that as she knew not all people deserved her time.
He was also not a person that deserved goodwill, but that was not the point.
'In any case, I may consider him as the part of my faction.'
She thought as she analyzed the pros and cons of having him. From what she knew, without conducting a direct investigation into his past, Astron was someone who didn't have a family, and he was from an orphanage. This was already a widely known fact in the school, thanks to rumors, though she didn't believe them.
[Benedict. Investigate Astron Natusalune.]
She once again immediately texted her assistant to investigate him, and the reply came immediately.
[Benedict: Understood, Miss Lilia. I will continue with the investigation.]
'Good.'
She thought, seeing the response. She was sure that Benedict would get the job done as it was her handpicked man from the streets.
"You shouldn't pry while other people are training."
But at that moment, she heard a voice coming right before her eyes.
FLINCH!
She immediately flinched as the unknown voice came very close. Closer than it was supposed to be.
Astron was standing right in front of her, and she hadn't even noticed. Her eyes widened, and instinctively, she got into a defensive position without even realizing it. In her startled state, she swung her fists in a quick attack to defend herself.
The air crackled with the swift movement, but Astron smoothly dodged her unexpected attack. He moved with an agility that surprised her, effortlessly avoiding her fists.
"You've got quick reflexes," he remarked casually.
Lilia, now more composed, withdrew her fists, her expression shifting from surprise to a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. She cleared her throat, attempting to regain her composure.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone carrying a hint of irritation.
"What do you mean? Shouldn't I be the one to ask such a question?"
"You've got quick reflexes," he remarked casually.
Astron retorted, a hint of annoyance in his eyes. Lilia raised an eyebrow, realizing the irony of her question. It was indeed her who had intruded into the training room without any awareness of his presence.
'Yeah….What I did was rude.'
Even though she might be curious about someone, or she might want to observe, intruding on someone's privacy in broad daylight wasn't the best way to start a relationship, especially when she wanted to recruit him.
Lilia nodded, acknowledging his point. "Fair enough. I suppose I should have been more aware of my surroundings."
"It is not about being aware of your surroundings. It is about being aware of other people's boundaries."
As she looked into his eyes, she understood why she didn't like him even at the start and why Irina constantly whined about him. This guy never backed down.
Well, it was not like her ego was this fragile anyway.
"Yes...It is about other's boundaries. Sorry if I bothered you."
"You certainly did."
"..."
"What? If I were the one doing that, I would be labeled as a creep, you know?"
"Well, you shouldn't blame me for that. Blame your fellow men who destroyed your gender's reputation."
"You do have a point. But that doesn't negate my point either. Next time, I won't be this merciful."
"Ho? What are you going to do?"
"Do you want to try?"
"Look at this guy. Do you know who I am?"
"Who doesn't know the school goddess Irina?"
"…..Cough…"
She normally didn't get embarrassed when she heard about her nickname, but for some reason, she did right now, though she hid it immediately.
"Though, if you are the goddess, I would probably be an atheist."
"...Was that supposed to hurt?"
"I expected a little annoyance."
"Too bad for you. I am not that fragile."
"That is good."
"Indeed."
Lilia's eyes reflected a mix of annoyance and amusement as she bantered with Astron. The guy didn't seem too bad when being looked at closely.
Astron raised an eyebrow, breaking the banter for a moment. "Why were you observing me without revealing yourself?"
Lilia, maintaining her composure, replied, "It was nothing. Just interested in how my fellow archers train. No specific reason."
Her expression remained neutral, not betraying her true intentions. Astron, still eyeing her with a hint of suspicion, shrugged. "Alright, suit yourself." His demeanor seemed to let it go, but his eyes said everything she needed to know.
'He knows.'
She knew he understood her reasons immediately, and it wasn't even hard for him.
'What a perceptive bastard.'
She disliked perceptive people like that, especially men since they were harder to control from her perspective. She wasn't a man, so putting herself into a man's shoes was a lot different from a woman's.
'Well, we will see about that.'
"I will be leaving."
"So, you will leave without paying me anything back."
"Why should I pay you back?"
"For watching me display a good play in front of you?"
"What makes him good?"
"The fact that you just watched for a very long time."
"You…..you were aware of it from the start."
"I was."
"….Interesting…Astron Natusalune."
A smirk played on Lilia's lips as she approached him confidently, a subtle allure in her gaze. She brought her face very close to his, the distance between them narrowing.
"What do you want, Astron?" she inquired, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and a hint of challenge.
'I wonder how high you evaluate your performance.'
"Nothing much." He mumbled, his eyes locked. He didn't seem to be fazed by her behavior or antics, which were different from what she expected. "Next time, let me watch you how to train." His words were simple but serious.
"You want to watch me train?"
"Yes."
"Why do you think this trade is equal? Considering our ranks, shouldn't you give me something more?"
"It is for me to judge after watching you train."
"…How do I know you are not biased?"
"We will think about it after that."
"....."
She stopped for a second, pondering. Letting him watch her training meant she would be disclosing her method to him, and that wasn't something she preferred. Especially considering that it was her mother who taught her, and she didn't want to reveal that.
She looked at his eyes for a little more and saw he was not going to back down.
'It wouldn't much matter anyway. What can he even learn from one training session.'
With that thought, she accepted his offer with a smile.
"Okay."
Chapter 223 - Lilia Thornheart (3)
While I was training on my own, I felt someone's presence. Of course, this wasn't the first time I was around someone while training. However, this time, there was something different; it was as if someone was sneakily watching me.
And then I noticed the traces of the said person.
'Lilia.'
She was one of the main cast members- a girl with a weird personality who is both liked and not liked by the players at the same time.
I was on the more neutral side as she didn't strike me as someone who should be hated or loved. She was a character of her own with her own struggles and life choices.
However, that didn't mean I was going to let her go. Since she pried on my secret, that meant she was interested in me.
'Showing off to Carl paid off.'
That was my intention from the start, as I started thinking about how I should at least keep my relationship with the future main cast stable. I didn't need to be close to them, but at the very least, I needed to change my attitude.
Laying low is good, but there are times when showing sufficient strength is better. Especially knowing how the main cast operates. They are not some sort of teenage brat. Even though they sometimes behave like that, when it comes to serious things concerning both their lives and families, they value the people close to them.
I myself also operate in the same way; thus, putting myself into the position to use them seemed like a better idea to me.
And Lilia approaching me on her own was the first result of that. After catching Lilia off guard, the only thing I needed to do was to direct the conversation in a way that I could increase my affinity with her while also putting some emotions in her head.
The first step was to make her panic, then mock her state. After that, I needed to make sure what she did was a big deal for me, and considering my past actions, she was already inclined to believe that.
Thus, at the end of the day, I secured a slight favor from her.
'Learning from the future Bow Empress. Certainly, not a bad result.'
I thought while walking with Lilia.
While walking with Lilia, I decided to maintain a casual demeanor, in contrast to the intense training moments.
Observing her closely, I realized that Lilia was not the type to easily reveal her true intentions, and I had to be cautious in navigating the conversation.
Even though I had easily directed the conversation, that wouldn't be the case every time. There is even a chance that she may have already realized it.
Lilia tilted her head slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Alright then, Astron. Prepare yourself for a show."
Whether she was excited or not, I wasn't sure. But one thing was certain.
'I need to make the most of this opportunity.'
Just like that, I focused on how she used her bow.
*******
After saying that, Lilia moved to the center of the training room, creating a comfortable distance between them. With a swift motion, she summoned her bow, a beautifully crafted piece that seemed to emanate an ethereal glow. Lilia's fingers danced gracefully over the bowstring as if playing an intricate melody.
"Watch closely," she whispered, her voice carrying a certain authority.
Lilia's training routine began with a series of meticulous stretches, ensuring her muscles were warmed up and ready for action. Since she was proficient with utilizing mana, she even used it to speed up the process.
It wasn't something that was common and was hardly seen by other Hunters, but it was thanks to her special trait enabling it.
'Let's put on a good show.'
It would be good to impress this guy before him, as in that way, she could gain his respect and possibly recruit him more easily.
"Haaaah…..Haaaaah...."
She focused on her breathing, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. Her movements were deliberate and controlled, each step a part of a well-choreographed routine.
"Start the eighth stage."
[Understood, Student Lilia.]
In a matter of minutes, she was ready with her preparations.
[Zone]
And then, instantly, her body lit up, covered by a special type of shell all around herself. This was a technique that made her family one of the strongest Hunters in the world. The ones with a good aptitude for it would be selected as the Hunter Head.
SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
Then, without warning, she unleashed a rapid flurry of arrows, each one hitting its mark with pinpoint accuracy. The targets she had set up around the room were pierced effortlessly, leaving no room for error. It was a mesmerizing display of skill and precision.
Her thoughts had already emptied her head, as all the things inside her head were the target before her and her mana.
Even the desire to show off disappeared, leaving only tranquility.
As Astron observed, he could feel the intensity in the air. Lilia's mana, invisible to the naked eye, began to weave around her like an intricate web.
'Interesting.'
His eyes, shining because of the mana amplified to its receptors, were locked on Lilia's body, even up to the smallest mimics. And what he was seeing was something different. It was something he had just recently thought, but the application of it was a little weird.
'Her mana control and purity of her mana is certainly top-notch.'
Even in the game, Lilia was one of the powerhouses for a long time while not focusing on her career as a Hunter.
If not because of the calamity that had descended on the world in the later stages of the game, she would probably never pursue strength. However, the calamity brought every Awakened together, forcing her to take the role of missing Bow Empress.
She actually had the talent already, but she didn't have the time.
'Remembering how sad and regretful she looked in the game, it could be understood.' Astron thought.
A girl with a cold personality who made use of people. Even though she was such a girl, in the game, she still shed tears for those who died under her command. She actually held herself responsible for her decisions and the ones who died.
Though, because of her past actions, Lilia was both disliked and liked at the same time. Some blamed her; some defended her. In the end, it was a matter of perspective.
'But, looking how she moves….She didn't slack off.'
The players were still unaware of the reason why Lilia was that adamant about controlling her guild and being the one with the political power, and Astron was the same. His knowledge related to Lilia was limited in this case.
'Let's focus.' However, Astron immediately put a halt to his thoughts that were deviating from the main task before him.
She harnessed the mana, forming ethereal anchors that connected to her bow, enhancing its speed and agility.
The archer moved gracefully, almost dancing as she released arrows with unparalleled speed. The arrows seemed to teleport from her quiver to her bow, leaving a trail of shimmering mana behind. It was a sight to behold, an artistry in combat that transcended the conventional.
'What a speed.'
Astron's eyes narrowed a little, and he struggled to keep up with the rapid movements. It was also weird in his eyes. Lilia was certainly using his body to its maximum.
Lilia's training method was unlike anything he had ever seen. She was not just an archer; she was a mage who seamlessly integrated magic into her combat style.
His keen eyes remained fixed on Lilia as she continued her impressive display. His instincts as an awakened individual heightened his perception, allowing him to notice subtle details that eluded others.
'Interesting,' he thought, narrowing his focus on Lilia's movements. Her arms seemed to move independently of the arrows she released as if there was an invisible force manipulating the strings of her bow. It was a peculiar observation, and Astron couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to her technique than met the eye.
His concentration deepened, and he activated his Mana Observation, a skill that allowed him to perceive the flow and intensity of mana in the environment. As he did, he noticed the intricate dance of mana around Lilia. The ethereal anchors connecting to her bow weren't just for show—they were the conduits of her mana manipulation.
'Is she controlling the arrows with mana strings?' he wondered, intrigued by the possibility.
The realization struck him that Lilia's control over mana was so refined that she could guide the arrows with precision, detached from the conventional physical limitations.
As Astron continued to observe, he decided to push his Mana Observation to a higher grade.
It was a risky move, as it required intense focus and concentration while also better mana control. However, he decided not to waste this opportunity and took the risk.
The air around him shimmered as he delved deeper into the mana currents within the training room.
Eyes of Hourglass.
Simultaneously, he activated his unique skill, the Eyes of Hourglass. Time seemed to slow down, giving him a momentary advantage to analyze Lilia's movements in greater detail.
In this heightened state of awareness, Astron noticed subtle shifts in the mana patterns around Lilia. The ethereal anchors, normally imperceptible, now revealed themselves as threads of mana weaving through the air. It was a mesmerizing display of magical finesse.
'This guy….He is keeping up with it?'
Lilia, sensing Astron's heightened focus, decided to challenge him further.
'Let's see if you are really looking or you are just watching it.'
She increased the speed of her arrows, pushing herself to the limit. The arrows now moved with such velocity that they left afterimages in their wake.
Astron's Eyes of Hourglass skill allowed him to perceive the intricacies of her movements even more clearly, but at the same time, he was actually putting a huge strain on his nerves, especially the nerves that connected his eyes to his brain.
The information that they were carrying started becoming too much for his own body limits.
He saw the mana threads reacting to Lilia's will, manipulating the trajectory of each arrow with unparalleled precision.
'Let's end this.'
With a final flourish, Lilia released a volley of arrows simultaneously, creating a dazzling display of lights as they streaked through the air.
The targets, now resembling pincushions, testified to the accuracy and speed she had achieved.
As the last arrow found its mark, Lilia turned to Astron with a satisfied smirk. "Impressive, isn't it? Now, what do you think?"
Astron, seemingly thoughtful, met her gaze. He paused for a moment before shaking his head slightly. "I couldn't see much," he admitted, his expression giving away a slight 'disappointment.'
Lilia's smirk faltered for an instant before she regained her composure. "Couldn't see much? You were using Mana Observation. I thought it would give you an advantage."
Astron, closing his eyes as if contemplating, replied, "Even with Mana Observation, your movements were too fast. I couldn't keep up for more than a second. It's truly impressive, but I guess everything has its limits."
Lilia raised an eyebrow, considering his words. "So, is our little deal over?"
Astron nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Even if I could see only a little, watching a high-ranker like you perform is effective."
With that, Lilia felt a mixture of pride and curiosity. Astron, the bottom-ranked student, seemed to hold more potential than she initially thought.
However, before she could think about anything more, a message came to both Astron and her watches, making her stop her thoughts.
[Adrian: Everyone, come to the Archery Club Center. We have an announcement to make.]
Chapter 224 - Lilia Thornheart (4)
'How interesting.'
That was what I thought the moment I saw Lilia training in front of me. She utilized her own mana to create anchors around her body, which acted as her second or third arms.
'Why did I miss such a thing?'
It was a slight damage to my ego, if I was completely honest, since the fact that she was able to come up with a thing that I couldn't make me feel a little inferior.
Of course, that was only for a second since I had taken control of such thoughts immediately. My head was hurting a little, and my eyes were about to bleed, but the pain wasn't unbearable like I had initially expected.
'This seems to be my limit for the time being.'
Everyone had a natural limit on their bodies. It was an inevitable occurrence, and I am no exception to that rule. One may even say I am the one especially subjected to it.
In any case, as I withdrew my mana from my eyes, my eyesight returned to a normal state, and the scene before my eyes brightened.
"Why do you think he called us?"
Lilia asked while using her mana to clean herself from the sweat.
"I don't know."
I answered though I knew the reason why Adrian had called us.
'It must be the time.'
Since the mid-terms had ended, it was about the time the club would start its activities.
"Is that so?"
Lilia said, squinting a little. It seemed she was not that convinced, though it was not like I needed to convince her.
After shrugging my shoulders, I made my way out of the training room. The memories of this time were already printed in my head, ready to reply every time, and that was enough for the time being.
"Sigh…."
I heard a small sigh coming from her mouth just as I left. However, she did follow me without saying anything at all.
********
As Astron made their way to the Archery Club Center, where other members of the club were already gathering, Lilia was pondering to herself.
'Was that my imagination?'
She was not sure for a fact, but she felt like she had seen Astron's eyes following her movements, even at the end when she showed her most complex skill.
'No, that can't be right.'
Her eyesight was something she was very proud of herself, especially her photographic memory. Thus, as she reviewed what had happened a second ago, she realized that was not the case.
'But…..'
However, there was a feeling. A feeling that she didn't want to disperse as random but had no choice to do so.
'Sigh….'
In the end, she just took it to a shelf, saying she would investigate this matter more, as she lacked sufficient data to even make a comment.
Just as they both reached the meeting location, Adrian, a tall and imposing figure, stood at the front, waiting for everyone to assemble.
'Tch…..'
It was this guy again. The one who held that unacceptable and daring gaze. She had been dealing with people because of her guild; thus, she was well aware of what that gaze meant.
It was greed.
"Why are you glaring daggers at him?"
At that moment, Astron asked.
'Hmm?'
From what she had observed, it was unusual for that guy to speak first to her.
"What do you mean?"
"Will you feign ignorance?"
As she looked at his relaxed reaction, she knew that guy was right on the point.
"You are pretty sharp."
"We marksmen need to be sharp."
"….."
There was no reply she could give aside from silence.
"He is quite daring, if I must say. To openly show such a gaze to the goddess Lilia."
His voice was filled with sarcasm, but Lilia didn't mind. After all, what he was pointing out was right. Adrian was basically saying he was not afraid of her with such a gaze.
"Indeed. Some people don't understand without someone showing them."
"I must agree on that."
"You speak like you have many experiences," Lilia said, looking at Astron for a reaction. If she were going to recruit him for the future, knowing about him would be optimal, and even small details like this could be detrimental.
"No comment."
"You are not fun."
"I hear that a lot."
"From who?"
"Does it matter?"
"Probably not. Since almost everyone you meet will give this reaction anyway."
"I don't meet a lot of people, so it is fine."
"Your kindness shows no bounds."
Just as they were talking to pass the time, suddenly, the place was filled with the members of the club. It seemed everyone was there, as Adrian also was ready to go.
"Cough!"
With a cough filled with mana, he gathered everyone's attention immediately. It was a good way to show his prowess, as the sound amplification with mana was actually quite a high-ranking technique that not many students could master before the third year.
"It seems everyone is here."
Adrian's stern voice echoed around the club room, commanding attention with its authority. His sharp eyes scrutinized each student, evaluating their progress and dedication.
"As some of you may have noticed, the Archery Club is not just a casual gathering. It's a place of rigorous training and constant improvement," Adrian declared, emphasizing the gravity of their commitment.
He then began to delve into the specifics, highlighting the advancements made by certain members. "I've observed commendable progress from many of you. Your dedication to refining your skills has not gone unnoticed. The club facilities are here to assist you, and those who have utilized them have shown remarkable improvement."
Adrian's gaze shifted subtly, focusing on Astron and some other students who stood among the assembled students. "However," he continued, his tone becoming more pointed, "some of you seem to be lagging behind."
His words hung in the air, creating a moment of tension. The other students exchanged uneasy glances, curious about whom Adrian was referring to.
Astron maintained a calm exterior as he was already expecting such treatment. After all, even if he didn't play the game and did this sub-quest chain, the information that was given to him at the start of the club was sufficient.
Adrian's gaze swept over the students, his eyes narrowing as he continued his speech. "Let me make one thing clear. The Archery Club is not a charity. It is supported by the dedication and contributions of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the art of archery. Lagging behind will not be tolerated."
The weight of his words settled on the students, and a sense of urgency filled the room. Adrian's stern demeanor hinted at the high expectations he held for each member.
"Now, let's move on to an important tradition of our club," he announced, transitioning to another crucial aspect. "Archery Competitions."
A hushed murmur spread among the students as the mention of competitions always stirred a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
After all, many of those knew how notorious the club competition was, and this was one of the reasons why the Archery Club was viewed as too strict. Most clubs would just check the practical skills of the students and leave it like that, but this club was strict and kicked the members out if they were unworthy.
Adrian explained the significance of these competitions and how they served as a means to assess each member's progress and dedication.
"In the upcoming weekend, we will hold a series of competitions. These will not only test your archery skills but also your adaptability, precision, and the ability to perform under pressure," Adrian elaborated.
He cast a challenging gaze across the room. "These competitions will determine who remains in the Archery Club and who will be asked to leave. It's a harsh reality, but it ensures that only the most dedicated and skilled individuals continue to represent our esteemed club."
The tension in the room heightened as Adrian concluded, "Prepare yourselves, give your best in the upcoming competitions, and remember, excellence is not optional in the Archery Club. It's the standard we all must strive to achieve."
With those words hanging in the air, the students were left to contemplate the challenges ahead, knowing that the path to remaining in the Archery Club would be carved with fierce competition and unwavering dedication.
However, one person knew this would be the starting point of everything.
'I guess this starts the chain sub-quest.'
He thought inwardly while watching Adrian leave. After all, in the game, this competition was the point where Lilia's story of Bow Empress would start.
"What a bastard."
Lilia seemed ready too, as this time her daggered gaze was directed at the back of leaving Captain.
**********
Sylvie had been feeling weird these days, especially after the events of that trip.
Things that she would never have expected happened that day. How Mason revealed his true colors as a demon contractor, and then how they ambushed them.
How Astron nearly died once again.
And how she had witnessed that masked person killing Mason right in front of her eyes.
None of those events once left her head, haunting her constantly. Even though she forcefully took some mana-enhanced drugs to calm herself down.
But even then, she herself was able to deduce one thing from that day. She was weak.
'Both mentally and physically.'
She had powers. She instinctively knew that. But she didn't have the courage to use that at the start.
'Not anymore.'
However, she decided to spend her time training. To both escape that feeling of helplessness and those memories.
After she returned, she had been training her magic and stamina, even reducing her sleep to four hours. And even that was because of the sleeping pills she took.
She knew that wasn't healthy, but until she was able to adapt to this, she was going to pay any price.
"Hufff...Hufff….."
Just like how it is right now. After running for a whopping 1 hour, she closed her eyes while calming her breath. Her muscles were screaming at her, saying she needed to stop. Her lungs and her heart were no different.
"Haaaaa...Haaaaa….."
Her chest constantly rose and lowered.
"Heal."
However, she just closed her eyes and focused on her own body. Moving her mana in her own body was something that she was most comfortable with. There was a saying that the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot, but that wasn't the case for her.
As she always experimented with herself first. Thus, she healed all her fatigue using her powers. The pain in her muscles was gone, and her incredibly speeding heart slowed.
"Sylvie."
The unexpected voice cut through her concentration, causing Sylvie to open her eyes. Standing before her was Jasmine, clad in her training uniform, a worried expression etched across her face.
"Sylvie, you're pushing yourself too hard," Jasmine admonished, concern lacing her words.
Sylvie, however, dismissed the worry with a determined smile. "It's the price I need to pay. I can't afford to be weak."
Jasmine sighed, squatting down to be at eye level with Sylvie. "Being strong doesn't mean pushing yourself to the brink. You have to take care of yourself too."
She looked at her friend and how she was sweating.
'I had been lazy for long enough.'
She thought inwardly while standing up.
"I am fine, don't worry."
Saying that she slowly made her way to the closets to change her clothes. After all, now she was going to meet him to grant her request.
And Jasmine could only look worriedly at her friend.